Butter: A Rich History

(Paperback)

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Its a culinary catalyst, an agent of change, a gastronomic rock star. Ubiquitous in the worlds most fabulous cuisines, butter is boss. Here, it finally gets its due.

After traveling across three continents to stalk the modern story of butter, award-winning food writer and former pastry chef Elaine Khosrova serves up a story as rich, textured, and culturally relevant as butter itself. From its humble agrarian origins to its present-day artisanal glory, butter has a fascinating story to tell. With tales about the ancient butter bogs of Ireland, the pleasure dairies of France, and the sacred butter sculptures of Tibet, Khosrova details butters role in history, politics, economics, nutrition, and even spirituality and art. Readers will also find the essential collection of core butter recipes, including beurre mani, croissants, pte brise, and the only buttercream frosting anyone will ever need, as well as practical how-tos for making various types of butter at home or shopping for the best.

Reviews

Khosrova takes readers on an amazing journey in the history of butter, tracing butters creation through time and geography . . . An ambitious and interesting look at one of the worlds most beloved dairy products. Booklist

Khosrova takes readers through the fascinating story of what was once a humble food, now celebrated by chefs and home cooks alike for its ability to elevate any dish. Plenty of history and science, but she doesnt skimp on the recipes either. Lexington Herald-Leader

You will believe in butter by the time you finish this educational and entertaining book. Birmingham Magazine

Khosrovas ambitious project is a successful, fascinating account of a common dairy product. Publishers Weekly

This enjoyable work packs plenty of fascinating history and science. For fans of food histories such as Dan Koeppels Banana or Reaktion Bookss 'Edible' series. Library Journal

A tasty chronicle of the indispensable dairy product . . . Khosrovas richly textured history melts in your mouth. BookPage

A fascinating, tasty read . . . And what a bonus to have a collection of essential classic butter recipes included. David Tanis, author of A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes

Following the path blazed by Margaret Visser in Much Depends on Dinner, Elaine Khosrova makes much of butter and the ruminants whose milk man churns. You will revel in dairy physics. And you may never eat margarine again. John T. Edge, author of The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South

Butter proves that close study can reveal rich history, lore, and practical information. All that and charm too. Mimi Sheraton, author of 1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die

Irresistible and fascinating. As a pastry chef, I am elbow-deep in butter every day; it is in nearly every pastry, cake, and cookie, and slathered on our toasted bread, yet reading this I realize how much history there is behind this ingredient that we take for granted. For the history, use around the world, and modern recipes and techniques (smoked butter!) this is one of those definitive books on a subject that every cook should have." Liz Prueitt, Tartine Bakery

"The history of one of the most delectable ingredients throughout our many cultures and geography over time is wonderfully churned and emulsified in Elaine Khosrovas Butter. I dont think it gets much better than the smell and taste of browned butter and lemon juice as a sauce for a pan seared fish or butternut squash ravioli with sage. Or a buttery and flaky croissant wafting its seduction straight to your nose. Or a cold smear of butter on a baguette with a few sliced radishes and some caviar. Or chicken makhani (similar to tikka masala) with its spiced ghee tomato sauce! Ive experienced a few butter tastings over years and after reading this book, ran out and bought several imported and domestic butters to compare again. Delightful storytelling around this beautiful treasure we call butter. Elizabeth Falkner, author of Demolition Desserts

Author Bio

Elaine Khosrova is an independent writer who specializes in stories about food history and gastronomic culture. She began her career in food publishing as a test kitchen editor at Country Living magazine, followed by staff positions at Healthy Living, Classic American Home, and Sant Magazine. In 2007, she received a Gold Folio journalism award, and in 2008 she became the founding editor of culture, a national consumer magazine about specialty cheese that continues to serve cheese enthusiasts. Shes contributed to numerous national food and lifestyle publications, as well as the forthcoming Oxford Companion to Cheese.